Totton councillors have hit out at the huge amount of social housing being built in a historic part of the town centre.

Members of the town planning and transport committee criticised an application to build 12 one-bedroom flats at Rumbridge Street for "vulnerable" young people.

Former town council chairman John Dawson said: "It's very unfortunate that Rumbridge Street and Totton as a whole are being chosen again and again.

"There's a social imbalance in the town and this application is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

"Rumbridge Street is seeing a concentration of schemes which are unnecessary and should be opposed. It's time the council stood up to be counted."

Other members of the committee expressed similar views.

Councillor Robin Harrison said: "I'm concerned about the proliferation of social housing in a tiny triangle of Totton that includes Rumbridge Street. It's heavily over-subscribed compared with other parts of the town."

County councillor Edith Randall criticised the design of the Rumbridge Street scheme, claiming the three-storey building would "stick out like a sore thumb".

She said: "This scheme runs completely counter to plans to enhance the village high street character of Old Totton. It's a historic part of the town and anything built there should fit in with its surroundings."

The application has been submitted by Hamp-shire Voluntary Housing Society.

Dan Brady, its representative at the meeting, said it would be used by Totton people aged between 16 and 25 years, including those coming out of care.

He added: "There's a significant need for this type of accommodation in the parish.

"Young people will live in the flats for up to two years. In that time they will acquire life skills that will enable them to go out into the community and contribute fully."

However, the committee voted to object to the application, which will be determined by New Forest District Council.